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High staff turnover is costing Indigenous health
A high turnover of healthcare staff in the Northern Territory is putting the lives of Indigenous Australians at risk, and more nursing education is needed, according to a new university report.
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Well I’ve got news for Dr Walkerman. Indigenous health workers once qualified only spend a short time in their communities because they get just as fed up as non-indigenous health professionals. They get fed up with unrealistic KPI’s, budgets and expectations from the system as well as the attitude of entitlement that pervade many indigenous community members.
Having worked in remote NT communities and regional areas in QLD in Indigenous Health (both Aboriginal and TSI communities), I was often told that ” you’re a white fella; it’s your job and responsibility to keep me healthy”. One can only work in that sort of environment for so long before coming jaded.
What is not needed is another academic conducting yet another study. A round-table in various communities between community members, health care team members and health policy makers is what is needed.
Overall working in Indigenous Health in Metro, Regional and Remote areas I found to be very rewarding both professionally and spiritually. What is needed is commitment from all sides, not another study.